Last updated: October 30, 2026. Ticket prices are the 2026 foreign-adult rates published for the Giza Plateau and the Grand Egyptian Museum. Hotel and flight prices were checked on October 30, 2026 on Trip.com and Google Flights. Dollar amounts use about 56 Egyptian pounds (EGP) per US dollar.
Short answer: three days is a good amount of time for Giza: one day for the pyramids and the Sphinx, one for the Grand Egyptian Museum, and one for Saqqara. The plateau ticket costs EGP 700 (about $12.50), going inside the Great Pyramid costs EGP 1,500 extra, and simple hotels with a pyramid view started at $41 for 3 nights in our check.
What it costs (2026)
| Item | Price (foreign adult) | About |
|---|---|---|
| Giza Plateau (pyramids area and Sphinx) | EGP 700 | $12.50 |
| Inside the Great Pyramid of Khufu (extra) | EGP 1,500 | $27 |
| Grand Egyptian Museum | about EGP 1,450–1,600 | about $30 |
| Students and children 6–12 | usually half price | – |
Sources: 2026 foreign-adult rates from Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities and the Grand Egyptian Museum, as reported by several 2026 travel guides; checked October 30, 2026. The Grand Egyptian Museum announced a price increase from November 1, 2026, and timed tickets must be booked online in advance, so check the official ticket site before you go.
A relaxed 3-day plan
Day 1: Pyramids and Sphinx
Be at the plateau when it opens in the morning: it is cooler and calmer. See the three main pyramids, the panorama viewpoint and the Sphinx. Decide on the spot if the Great Pyramid interior is worth it for you: the passages are narrow, steep and warm, so skip it if you are claustrophobic or have back problems.
Day 2: Grand Egyptian Museum
The museum is about 2 km from the pyramids and shows the complete Tutankhamun collection. Book your time slot online first. Plan at least half a day.
Day 3: Saqqara
About an hour south of Giza by car, Saqqara has the Step Pyramid of Djoser, one of the oldest stone buildings in the world. It is much quieter than Giza. Saqqara has its own ticket.
Where to stay: hotels with a pyramid view
| Hotel | 3 nights | Per night | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rayan Pyramids View | $41 | about $14 | Small inn |
| Pyramids Express View Inn | $53 | about $18 | Small inn |
| The 5 Inn Rooftop Pyramids View | $56 | about $19 | Small inn with rooftop |
| Mashrabeya Pyramids Boutique Hotel | $69 | about $23 | Boutique hotel |
| Barcelo Cairo Pyramids | $303 | about $101 | Large hotel with pool |
Source: Trip.com, Giza, February 15–18, 2027, 2 adults, totals incl. taxes and fees; checked October 30, 2026.
Our pick: for a first visit, a small inn near the plateau entrance gives you the pyramid view for under $25 a night. If you want a pool and more comfort after hot sightseeing days, the Barcelo costs about $100 a night.
Many small inns near the plateau entrance have rooftop terraces facing the pyramids. Read recent reviews for cleanliness and noise, and check whether breakfast and airport pickup are included.
Getting there from the US
For February 10–20, 2027, New York–Cairo round trips started at $744 with Gulf Air via Bahrain (almost 20 hours), $810 with Turkish Airlines via Istanbul (13.5 hours) and $860 for the EgyptAir nonstop (about 10 hours). The nonstop was only $116 more than the cheapest option. Search your own dates here:
Getting around: driver, Uber or rental car?
- Uber or a booked driver is the easiest choice for most visitors: Cairo traffic is dense and parking near the sites is informal.
- A rental car only makes sense if you are confident in very busy traffic, or for trips further out (for example the Fayoum oasis). You do not need a 4×4 for Giza or Saqqara.
- On the plateau you can walk, but distances are long and there is little shade. Bring water, a hat and sturdy shoes.
Practical tips
- Payment: bring a card for tickets and small Egyptian pound notes for tips.
- Touts: at the entrance you will be offered camel rides, “guides” and photos. Agree on the full price before you start, or politely decline. More in our guide to avoiding tourist traps.
- Best time: October to April. Summer midday heat is extreme.
- Continue south: see our Luxor guide with 2026 prices.
FAQs
How much is the ticket for the Pyramids of Giza?
EGP 700 (about $12.50) for foreign adults in 2026. Going inside the Great Pyramid costs another EGP 1,500.
Is going inside the Great Pyramid worth it?
For many visitors yes, but the passages are narrow, steep and hot. If you are claustrophobic or have back problems, the outside views are the better choice.
How many days do I need in Giza?
Three days lets you see the pyramids, the Grand Egyptian Museum and Saqqara without rushing.
Where should I stay to see the pyramids?
Near the plateau entrance. Simple inns with a pyramid view started at $41 for 3 nights in our check (February 2027).
Should I rent a car in Cairo?
Most visitors are better off with Uber or a booked driver. A rental car makes sense only for confident drivers or trips further out.
